Overview:

: Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the most important colonial religious monuments in Peru. It was built in the 16th century by Franciscan friars and is one of the most well-preserved colonial structures in the city. The church features a great variety of colonial-style decorative elements. It has a traditional facade with sculptures and a bell tower that dominates the landscape for quite a distance. Inside, it hosts a remarkable collection of paintings and artwork. There is an archaeological site nearby, which is a place of historical interest. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Indigenous Baroque Style Architecture: Iglesia de San Francisco is a historical Roman Catholic church located in Arequipa, Peru, that is known for its unique indigenous Baroque architectural style. The church is decorated in polychrome reliefs, paintings, frescoes, and with several other decorative elements. 2. Baroque Style Altar: One of the most notable features of the Iglesia de San Francisco is its baroque style altar, which was constructed in the 18th century and is decorated with several silver sculptures, intricate wood carvings, and golden ornaments. 3. Ancient Frescoes: The walls of the Iglesia de San Francisco are adorned with spectacular frescoes and paintings, depicting scenes from the New Testament. These frescoes are believed to be more than 200 years old and are some of the oldest paintings in Peru. 4. Wooden Reredos: The church also has an impressive floor-to-ceiling wooden reredos, painted in vibrant colors, that are used during religious ceremonies. 5. Cloister: The Iglesia de San Francisco is also home to a beautiful Cloister, an open rectangular courtyard, with colonnades on three sides and a central fountain. This cloister dates back to the 18th century and is used to host weddings, festivals, and other special events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Iglesia de San Francisco is the oldest colonial church in Arequipa, Peru and is arguably the most important architecture in the city. The church was built in 1541 and is a key example of the 16th century Spanish Baroque style. The site was originally a convent that was part of the larger San Francisco Convent Complex. The church itself was constructed with materials such as masonry, volcanic stones, and wood, while the convent was composed of adobe. The Iglesia de San Francisco played an important role in the history of Arequipa due to its function as a cultural center for the local population. Additionally, the church served as the site for the presidential inaugurations of several important Peruvian leaders, including Simón Bolívar who declared Arequipa the “Capital of the South” in 1825. Throughout the years, the Iglesia de San Francisco has undergone several modifications and restorations. In 1783, the door and works of art were destroyed due to an earthquake. In 1868, the adobe convent was demolished and replaced with a large basilica. In 1969, the entire complex was declared a National Monument of Peru and a large-scale restoration project was undertaken to preserve the structure. Today, Iglesia de San Francisco stands as the most iconic landmark in Arequipa for its architecture and historic importance. The church and convent complex remain open to visitors and tourists to admire the restored structure and explore the Peruvian history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the most grandiose monuments in Arequipa, Peru. 2. Built in the early 16th century, the church has a beautiful baroque facade that is made of white volcanic sillar stones. 3. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated with 228 beautifully carved wooden altars. 4. It is believed that the church contains the remains of famous Spanish hierarchs. 5. The Iglesia de San Francisco is home to a large number of religious artifacts such as paintings, sculptures, silverware, and furniture. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era